Abstract: Atractylodes macrocephala seeds were used as test materials to learn the biological characteristics of A. macrocephala seeds from different regions of Xianfeng through determination of their morphology, thousand kernel weight, vigor, water absorption, water content and germination rate. Meanwhile, the disinfection method and hormone treatment were studied so as to lay the foundation for exploring excellent seeds and developing efficient seedling breeding methods of A. macrocephala. The results showed that there was no significant difference in morphology, viability and water absorption among A. macrocephala seeds from different regions of Xianfeng. The seeds from Lizixi2, Huolongping and Zhongxinchang possessed higher thousand kernel weight, water content and germination rate, respectively, compared with the seeds from other regions. 5% potassium permanganate, 3% hydrogen peroxide, 75% ethanol and 3% sodium hypochlorite could significantly reduce the mildew rate of A. macrocephala seeds, among which 3% sodium hypochlorite showed good germicidal efficacy and improved the seed germination rate, while 75% ethanol strongly inhibited the seed germination. Compared with the control, 100, 200 and 400 mg/L GA₃ all increased the seed germination rate by 20.4%. 5, 10 and 20 mg/L IAA significantly increased the seed germination rate by 31.0%, 25.9% and 24.3%, respectively. 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L 6-BA remarkably increased the seed germination rate by 27.1% and 32.2%, respectively. In conclusion, the A. macrocephala seeds from Zhongxinchang possessed higher vigor, germination rate and germination potential than seeds from other regions, which could be used as dominant seed resources in Xianfeng. The best method of disinfection was soaking seeds in 3% sodium hypochlorite for 15 min. Moreover, 100~400 mg/L GA₃, 5~20 mg/L IAA and 5~10 mg/L 6-BA were beneficial for the germination of A. macrocephala seeds.

Key words: Atractylodes macrocephala, seed, disinfection, hormone, germination rate